Tube



Dec. 5, I933.

TUBE

Filed 001:. 28, 1931 W .1 My

H. E. WALTHOR 1,937,537

Patented Dec.5,1933 f 1,937,537"

TUBE

Herbert E. Walthor, Bloomfield, N. J assignor to En iont Cellophane Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application October 28, 1931. Serial No. 571,489 22 Claims. (01. 250 215) This invention relates to tubes, such as radio sufiicient lengththereof to permit testing butin tubes, vacuum tubes and the like, and particusufficient to permit actual use. v larly to tubes provided with temporary coverings It is therefore an object of this invention to designed and constructed to permit exposure of a provide a tube having contact prongs in the base sufficient length of the contacts to allow testing, thereof, whereby the tube may be disposed man 60 but insufiicient to permit use without rupturing electrical circu't' and the filament and appurtei or mutilating said coverings. nant elements within the tube energized, with a In the sale of radio tubes and the like, it is the temporary element cooperating with-the contact customary practice to test the tube in the presprongs and exposing a sufiicient length of the ence of the purchaser in order to assure him of prongs to permit testing but insufficient to per; 5 '7 securing a perfect tube. 'Many used tubes when mit use without disruptingor ,mutilating said testedgive a positive res" 1t with the consequence element. I that they are sold as new. Whena used tube is Another object of this inventionis to provide a sold itbecomes exhausted during a period of time temporary protecting, element consisting of .a

* considerably lessthan its guaranteed life. As a cap or bandyshrunk inposition, and cooperating 79 consequence, the user complains to the manufacwith the contact elements to expose a sufficient tuner and demands replacement. Again, many length thereof to permit testing, butinsufficient unscrupulous dealers quite frequently return to to permit use without disrupting or mutilating themanuiacturer used or burned-out tubes as desaid element. r fective ones. It is apparent thatthese practices A further-object of this invention .isto provide 75 not only are expensive to the manufacturer but a temporary element' consisting of a band shrunk alsc tend to destroy the good will built up by it. vin position and cooperating with the contact elee Recently, there has been devised a means for ment, the width of said band being of; such di combating these practices. According to the mensions that it permits suflicient exposure of proposedremedy, there is disposed 5 on thebase the contacts for the purpose of'testing but 1nsuff1-. so of the tube a temporary protective capwhich cient to perm't use withoutdisrupting or mutiintimately and snugly adheres to the'base and lating said band. I f r r I completely covers the contact prongs. To test -'A still further object of -this invention is to tube provided with such a cap, it is necessary-to provide a temporary element consisting of a puncture, rupture or remove the cap whereby the punctured cap or band cooperating with. a-suit. 35 prongs are exposed. This performance is, of able positioning member to permit positioning course, rather inconvenient. of said cap or band on .the base whereby a suf- Radio tube manufacturers in almost all in ficient'length oi. the contacts will be exposed to. stances carry a large stock of tubes so that orders permit testing but insufficient to permit use with-- may be rapidly filled. While the tubes are main-' out. disrupting or mutilating the 'cap" or band 90 tained in stools, it is customary to test repreand/or protective element. a sentative samples thereof at periodic intervals to Additional objects will appear from the foldetermine whether or not there has been any lowing description, appended claims andaccorn deterioration or loss of life. When the tubes panying drawing iormingapart of this specificaare covered as above described, exposure of the tion in which: i 95 contacts must be secured, and this is achieved Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation of a radio by puncturing, rupturing or removing the cover. tube illustrating one form of anelement 00* Before the samples tested can be distributedto operating with the prongs. f the dealer a new cap must be provided. This Figure 2 is an end elevation of the tube'illuscauses great inconvenience and, depending upon trated in Figure 1. v 7 the number of tubes tested, the cost is proportion- Figure 3 is an end elevation of a tube showing ally increased. v amodified'form of band. I have found that]: can overcome the malprac- Figure 4 is a sectional view of a punctured tices of the dealer in selling used tubes or recap constituting another modification of theeleturning used tubes as defective ones, as well as ment. 3 V I i i overcome the puncturing or removalof the caps Figure BilIustrates one modification showing a completely covering the prongs, by providing the punctured cap and a positioning element in-posi contact prongs with a suitable device, such as a tion on a tube,the latter being cut away. cap or band of amaterial, which, when in position, Figure 6 is an end view of the structure shown cooperates with the contact elements to expose a in Figure 5. p l

Figures 7 and 8 are modified forms of .posi- The band is of such dimensions as to permit, tioning elements cooperating with punctured sufiicient lengths of the prongs 4 to project there- 7 caps. from, whereby the tube may be tested in the usual invention wherein bands are used in conjunction shipment, but insufficient to permit insertion and with the positioning elements. i

i s setforth in the objects the present invening set, without mutilationordestruction therethereof, whereby the tube may be tested in the tive customer, he would immediately recognize out destroying the element. The element may be insisting upon one having the band intact.

' formed of a band or punctured cap, the holes of The above described modification admirably 7 said cap being in alignment with the prongs, serves the purpose for which it is intended. Howwhereby the latter may be exposed for the purever, there are many unscrupulous dealers who r degree upon conversion from the wet to the dry dealers may buy such bands and position them tioned regenerated cellulose, celluloseacetate and come and prevent frauds and malpractices, the a present invention also contemplatesan element apsfand and a e mad O ze, a d WhiCh'dOES not permit the removal and replace 1'00 usually pr d d by moldin and ar main ained ment of the protective elements without the ole in the Wet, state until used. For example, when struction thereof. Several'modifications of'this drel y imm it in a Visco Solution a d In accordance with this phase of the invention, 1

'ticle may, if desirecLbe subjected to the desul jest from said cap.' Ifthe punctured'cap' were phuring, bleaching and washing steps, after which disposed in itswet condition on the base of a- 1 I Whenan opaque cap orbancl is desiredthe fintially the entire length'o'f the prongs would be is, of course, unde stood that by Opaquing-the cap of'th'e prongs to permit testing and insurficient tube or a suitabledyestuff of f the desired-hue thsr'ethro'ug rounding the filaments 3 and their appurtenant I r M The (zonal;

or band with colored pigments. or other, coloring permit, aatual use, there, is provided means agents it will also be colored. When the cap which preventsthe top of'the cap from contactband- 1'5 to be transparent d @0101" m ing with the top of the base and properly position dyed either before after it is disposed on the said cap to allow suflicient length of projection incorporated the moldingsolutwn- 1 1 Referring to Fig'ure'5,-this means is exempli- 0 or band ma Q with any fled by a collar preferably, though not esldentlfymg or advertlsmg mdlcla, such as the sentially, circular in shape and made of any suitname of the meliwfaeiurer, patent m trade able material, such as cardboard, glass, artificial R f t d resin, oriotherelectrical non-conductor. In acq erem sevem cordance with this modification, the'collar 7 is ignate'like parts, the numeral 1' designates the Scribes the pmngs ggyg gfgi ii gfi gg that it may be positioned so that it is bounded testing purposes. v V V 7 I Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two other forms of positioning the cap with respect to the top of the In accordance with this invention, the band 5 is formed of n suitable non'conductlve material positioned in place while it is in awet condition such as Synthetic resin or the like a and'then permitted to dry, or bev subjected to a Vided wi holes through w the prongs drying treatment, whereby,- due to the for tend. The disc 8 is preferably circular in shape mentioned characteristic, 'it shrinks to a .con-' a d Of a d m Slightly S a than th ba e siderable extent and intimatelyand snugly grips 2, al h ugh the invention is not restricted thereand adheres to the prongs which it contacts. to since different diameters, larger or smaller; 1

may be utilized with equal success. Thedisc 8 is also of such thickness as to permit the length of extension of the prongs 4 meme cap.

Referring now to Figure 8, the positioning means comprises a disc 9, preferably circular and formed'oi any suitable non-conductive material, disposed in such a manner that it is inscri ina circle passing through the prongs 4. A8 in the previous forms, the disc 9 is or such a thickness that it positions and retains the cap 6 in the desired relationship with respect to the base.

Instead of using a cap 6, which is provided with a number of holes corresponding to the number of prongs, an element 10, sucn'asa cap with a single large puncture, or a band capable oi permitting all the prongs to project therethrough, may be utilized. Such constructions are'illu'strated in Figures 9 and 10.

Referring to Figure 9, the element 10, which may be a band or a cap with a single large puncture, cooperates with the collar 1 of the type previously explained. In Figure 10, the element 10 cooperates with the punctured disc 8.

' In the devices 1 lustrated in Figures 5 to 10, the skirt 11 of the cap, or height of the band, is or suflicient length so that it may extend overa considerable portion of the base 2 and, in many cases, may extend on to the bulb proper. By virtue of the shrinking in position of the cap or band, the positioning elements "I, 8 and 9 are socurely fixed in place without the use of auxiliary means, although the latter may be'used ii desired. I

The positioning elements '1, 8 and 9, cooperating with the caps, may be variouslycolored-to contrast with the caps per se and/or provided with any decorative or advertising indicia'.

The assembly of the caps and positioning elements is quite simple. After the tube hasbeen fully completed,the positioning means is inserted in place, after which the band or p I ctured cap, while in the wet state, is applied. The wet cap or band is then permitted to dry or subjected to a drying treatment, during which it shrinks to a considerable extent and tightly conforms to the various elements with which it contacts In .the embodiments shown, it assumes approximately the forms illustrated. The tubes arethen packaged in the usual manner.

In those embodiments of the invention wherein positioning elements are employed, the caps or bands by virtue of their shrinkage in position ai in maintaining and securing said elernent's in position. I

When a purchaser desires to buy a tube, the dealer removes it from the box in which it is packed and the extending portions of the prongs inserted in a socket, or some other suitable device, whereby the tube maybe readily tested. The purchaser, of course, observes .the band or cap and can instantly determine if the tube is factory new. I a

To insert the tube in the circuit,..the cap and positioning means areremovedinany suitable way. They may be removed therefromwiththe aid of an implement such as the ordmary pocket knife. On the other hand, they may .be stripped therefrom merely by tearing them from the base. To permit more expeditious removal of the cap, it may be'provided with a tab 12 which may be gripped by the user and upon the pulling thereof in an. upward direction strip. the cap, from its support. If desired, the cap may be used in con-:-

J'unction with a rip string 13, whereby the cap may very easily be removed.

- In theioregoing the caps were described as being'mainta'ined in the moist state until applied.

It is to be understood that this is not necessary for carrying out the principles of this invention. For example, the caps or bands produced in the manner described may be dried and in such condition shipped to the factories or other places where the protective elementsare to be applied. In such cases prior to the disposition of the protective elements on the tubes, the said elements are moistened with any suitable liquid so-that theyare caused to swell, inwhich condition they are applied to the desired article and subsequently treated as previously described.

-Though the invention has been described with specific reference to tubes having contact prongs, it is apparent that the principles thereof are equally applicable to other types of tubes. For example-the invention may be successfully used in combination with incandescent lamps- In such acase a punctured cap or band is disposed on the base of the lamp in such away that the.

hole is in alignment with the contact element. Theskirt of the. cap or band is permitted toextend over a portion only of the threaded periph- I V ery ofthe base. "By this means the contact element will be exposed and the tube may be tested prior to use. Due to the fact that the cap or band is disposed on the base, it will be necessary to remove the sjamebefore the lamp can be actually used. w

In the claims it is to be understood that the expression punctured cap notonly'covers caps but also bands of the type described. I

Since it is obvious that various modifications maybe madein the above description without invention is not restricted'thereto except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim: 1. In combination witha tube having contact prongs on the base thereof whereby the'tube may be inserted in an electrical circuit and the filament and appurtenant elements of the tube may be energized, a temporary protecting element cooperating-W1 h a plurality of the contact prongs and permitting the projection of av sufficient length of the contacts to permit testing but insufficient to permit use without destroying ormutilating said element, said element being shrunk in position. L 2. Incombination with a tube having contact prongs on the base thereof whereby the tube may be disposed in an electrical circuit and the filament'and appurtenant elements of the tube energized comprising a punctured cap disposed on said base'with theprongs extending through the holes of said cap, and means disposed ons'aid base and cooperating with said cap and prongs to permit theprongs to project for a length sufficient to test the tube but insuiiicient to actually use the tube without destroying orremoving said capand cooperating means, the skirt of said cap 1 intimately contacting with and conforming to i the shape of at least a portion of the periphery of the baseof the tube to aid in securing said cap in position. v

3. In combination with atube havingcontact 3 3 prongs on the base thereof whereby th'etube may be disposed in anelectricalcircuit and the fila ment and appurtenant elements of the tube energized'comprisinga punctured cap disposed onsaid base with the prongs; extending through tube without destroying or removing said cap and co-operating punctured disc. Y

with a tube having'contact thereof whereby the tube 6. In combination position on said base with thesprongsextending V of said cap, the skirt-10f said cap intimately contacting with cap and cooperating means. '7. In combination with a tube having contact cap and cooperating collar.

v 8. In combination with a tubehaying contact prongs on thebase "thereof whereby. the-tube "baseof'theftube I V positiom'fand a' collar disposed on said base'coing said cap in position, and a disc provided with holes disposed-onsaid base and cooperating with said cap. and prongs; to

comprising a punctured, cap formed of regenerated cellulose and shrunk'in position bn'said'ba se With the prongs extending through the holes of said cap, the skirt of said cap intimately. contacting with regenerated "cellulose and shrunk in position on said base with the prongs rztendingthrough the holes of said cap,

portion ofthe periphery of the shape ofat least I o aid inisecuring and prongs to permit the V operating'colian. :12. In combination with a tube having contact prongs onthe'base thereof whereby the tube may regeneratedwceilulose.and shrunk in position on v the skirt of said cap inti frnately "contacting; with and conforming to' the said cap in I said base with the prongs extending through the holes 'of-sa'id'cap, the

contacting Withand conforming to the shape of atleasta portion of the periphery of the'base of the tube to aid in securing said cap. in position,- and-a disc disposed on saidibase. cooperatingwith said cap and prongs to permitthe prongs to project for a length sufficient to test the tube but insuificient to actually usethe tube without destroying or removing said cap and cooperate ing disc; i w V 13. In combination with a tube having contact prongs on the base thereof whereby the tube may be disposed in filament and appurtenant elements of the tube energized comprising a punctured cap formed of regenerated cellulose and shrunk in position on said base with the prongs extending through the holes of said cap, the skirt of said cap intimately contacting with and conforming to the .prongs to position the cap with prongs on the prongs On at least a portion of the periphery of of the tube to aid in securing said cap in position, and a disc provided with holes disposed on said base and cooperating with said cap and prongs to permit the prongs to project for a length sufiicient to test the tube but insufficient to actually use the tube without destroying or removing said cap and cooperating punctured disc. I

14. In combination with a tube having contact elements on the base thereof whereby the tube may be disposed in an electrical circuit and the filament and appurtenant elements of the tube energized comprising a punctured cap shrunk in position on the the contact elements are exposed sufficiently to permit testing but insufiicient to permit use without destroying or mutilating said cap, of said cap intimately contacting with shape of at least a portion of the periphery of the base of the tube to aid in securing said cap in position.

15. In combination with a tube having contact on the base thereof whereby the tube may be inserted in an electrical circuit and the filament and appurtenant elements of the tube may be energized, a punctured cap disposed on said base permitting access to said prongs, the skirt of said cap intimately contacting with and conforming to the shape of least a portion of the periphery of the tube to aid in securing said cap in position, and means disposed on said base and cooperating with said cap an respect to the whereby the tube may be tested but is incapable oi actual-use without destroying or removing the cap and cooperating means.

16. In combination with a tube having contact base thereof wherebythe tube may shape of prongs,

be inserted in an ment and appurtenant elements be energized, a punctured cap base permitting access to said of the tubemay disposed on said prongs, the skirt j of said cap intimately contacting with and conof at least a portion of the the tube to aid in securand a collar disposed on forming to the shape periphery of the base of ing said cap in position,

said base and cooperating with said cap and prongs to pos tion the cap with respect to the prongs, whereby the tube may incap bio of actual use without destroying or removmg the cap and cooperating means.

1'7. In combination with a tube having contact be inserted in an electrical circuit and the filament and appurtenant elements of the tube may be energized, a punctured cap disposed on said base permitting access to said prongs, the skirt of said cap intimately contacting with and conan electrical circuit and the and conforming to the 1 forming to the elecfrical circuit and the fila the base thereof whereby the tube may v prongs; wherebyv the tubemay be tested but is incapable of actual use without destroying or removingth'e cap and. cooperating means.

18. In combination with a tube having contact whereby the tube may be inserted in an electrical circuit. and the elements of the tube may be energized, a punctured cap disposed on said base permitting access to said prongs, the skirt of said cap intimately contacting with'an conforming to the shape of at least a portion of the periphery of the base of securing said cap in position, and a disc provided with holes and disposed on said base and cooperating withsaid cap and prongs to position the cap with respect to the prongs, whereby the tube may be tested but is incapable of actual use without destroying or removingthe cap and cooperating means.

19. In combination with a tube having contact prongs on the base thereof whereby the tube may be inserted in an electrical circuit and the filament and appurtenant elements of the tube may be energized, a punctured cap formed of regenerated cellulose and shrunk in position on said base permitting access to said prongs, the skirt the tube to aid in I ion 7 of said cap intimately contacting with and conforming to the shape of at least a portion of the periphery of the base of the tube to aid in securing said cap in position, and means disposed on said base and cooperating with said cap and prongs to position the cap with respect to the prongs, whereby the incapable of actual use without destroying or removing the cap and cooperating means.

20. In combination with a tube-having contact prongs on the base thereof whereby the tube may be inserted in an electrical circuit and the filament and appurtenant elements of the tube may be energized, a punctured cap vformedof regenerated cellulose and shrunk in position onsaid base permitting access to said prongs,.the skirt of said cap intimately contacting withand conshape of at least a portion of the periphery of the base of the tube toaid in securing said cap in position, said base and cooperating with said cap and prongs to position the cap with respect to the prongs, wherebyv the tube may be tested but is incapable of actual use without destroying or removing the cap and cooperating means.-

21. In combination with a tube prongs on the base thereof be inserted in an electrical circuit ment and appurtenant be energized, erated cellulose base permitting access to said prongs,

and. the filaelements of the tube may forming to the shape of at least a portion of the periphery of the base of the tube to aid in securing said cap in position, and a disc disposed on said base and cooperating with said cap and prongs to position the capwithrespect to the prongs, whereby the tube may be tested but is incapable of actual use without 1 destroying or removing the cap and cooperating means.

- 22. Incornbination with a tube having contact prongs on the base thereof whereby the tube may be inserted in an electrical tube may be tested but is and a collar disposed on having contact whereby the tube may a punctured oap formed or regenand shrunk in position on said; I the skirt of said cap intimately contacting with and con- V 146 circuit andthe N filament-and appurtenant elements of the tube with holes and disposed on said base and csaid base permitting access to said prongs, the may be tested but is incapable of actual use withskirt of said cap intimately contacting with and out destroying or removing the cap and cooperat- 80 conforming to the shape, of at least a. portion of ing means'. r

the periphery of the base of the tube to aid in p HERBERT E. WALTHOR,

CERTIFICATE OF coRREc'noN.

Patent No, 1,937,537. December 5, 1933.

HERBERT E. WALTHOR.

ii is hereby certified tha'i error appears in the printed soeciiication of the abovc numbered patem requiring correction as follows: iage i iine 56, for in" read "m-z page 4, line 21, claim 4, after "disc" insert the words disposed on said base and; and line 87, claim 8, after "tube" insert the Word but; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections thcrcin that the some may conform to the record of the case in the Patent ()ffice.

Signed and seaicd this 23rd day of January. A. D. NBA

F. M. Hopkins (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents 

